Spray arms move around a lot during dishwashing cycles. That means they and the parts supporting them take on a lot of wear and tear. If the upper dish rack isn’t getting as much water access and one of the symptoms your customer noticed is dirty dishes in the top of the machine, the manifold tube might not be supporting the upper spray arms like it should. Even though this part doesn’t move, it can crack or get clogged with soap and food debris. Order replacement part #WP3378144 and switch out the manifold with these steps:
1. Unplug the dishwasher.
This repair does not involve any electrical components. However, unplugging the machine makes the work environment safer both for you and the appliance.
2. Remove the upper dish rack.
Lower the door fully and slightly extend the top rack. Then use a flathead screwdriver to remove the stoppers from the dish rack arms. Pull the rack entirely out of the machine. Then push the arms back inside the dishwasher and close the door.
3. Remove the old manifold.
Flip the upper dish rack upside down on a flat surface. Remove the central screw holding the spray arm and manifold tube together. Then pull the manifold away from the spray arm on one end and the tube holder on the other end.
4. Install the replacement part.
Place the end of the manifold tube into the holder at the edge of the rack. Then slide the hole at the other end through the plastic bearing above the spray arm. The plastic bearing should be in place and the tube holder should not be tight. Retighten the screw, then make sure the upper spray arm can rotate without friction or tension.
5. Reinstall the dish rack.
Open the dishwasher and extend both upper rack arms. Place the wheels into the grooves and make sure the dish rack is smoothly on the tracks. Then click the dish rack stops back into position on both arms.
For more tutorials and tips on troubleshooting broken appliance parts, go to Jerry’s Appliance Repair here.